Hebrews 11: 1-3 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested. By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
What is Faith? Faith is: A. A gift from God B. A personal adherence to God C. A theological virtue, a free assent to God’s revealed truth. D. A free and personal response to God and his divine life. Catechism: # 150, 162,166
How is our faith expressed? We express our faith through our beliefs. These beliefs form the core of our doctrines, dogmas and tenets of faith. A belief is something that we consider to be true such as: the incarnation of the Son of God, the paschal mystery, the Holy Trinity. The act of living out, sharing, ritualizing and practicing these beliefs constitutes what we call religion.
The Gift of Faith Our Catholic Faith teaches that faith is a gift that has to be share with others. Faith is not an isolated experience just like life is not an isolated experience. Faith is never limited to individualism; Faith is both personal and communal. As people of God, we experience, grow, and are enlightened in faith when we share this gift with one another.
The Eyes of Faith The eyes of faith help us perceived the reality and will of God in our daily lives. Faith translates for us the eternal and infinity into our finite mortality. Faith unveils the invisible and spiritual to our corporeal senses. Faith is a foretaste in this life of the beatific vision of the life to come. Faith helps us sense eternity in the temporal.. “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11.
Jesus says, “ I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not live in darkness.” John 8:12 Faith is our Light
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit God is the beginning and end of our faith Faith is a human act by which we trust God In the same manner that a climber trusts in his equipment and ropes for protection, so the men and women of Faith trust in God.
Faith is complete trust in God As a child trust in the love of his father and mother, Likewise, the men and women of faith trust in the Lord.
Faith is certain that God is in control of our destiny, and He knows what is best for us. The same way a patient trusts in his or her doctor for care, so the men and women of faith trust in God.
Faith is the Beginning of Eternal life Jesus says, “ I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will never die.” John 11: 25-26
Faith is a virtue An inner strength A good habit or response = Faith is our freely chosen habit of responding positively to God.
Faith is our strength
1. People of faith have less stress during a life crisis. 2. People of Faith tend to forgive often. Scientists have discovered a link between anger, grudges and Hypertension. Hypertension can lead to cardio vascular conditions. Benefits of Fatih 3. Inner Peace: people of faith know God is with them in the midst of every day life. 4. Prayer: People of faith pray and meditate. All have shown to reduce stress and disease. 5. People of faith tend to engage less in behavior that can lead to trouble.
Altruism = People of faith place heavy emphasis on doing good deeds . Did you Know? Studies show life satisfaction increases and depression decreases when people do regular volunteer work or good deeds. The Catholic Faith teaches that: Humans are created in the image of God We have a soul, that is eternal We have a vocation a purpose.
Our Faith teaches us that: We are not accidents of the Universe. No one is a mistake in the eyes of God. We have a vocation, a purpose in the plan of God. We are unique and cool to God
Revelation = To Make known Our faith teaches us that God makes himself known to us.
God always takes the initiative to find us. Four ways God makes himself known to us besides 1. Through Creation The physical world of nature 2. Through the human person our conscience our imagination our ability to reason , think, our intellect . Humanity 3.Through other people Especially those who love us and help us in the journey of life. 4.Through our experiences, history and historical events
.Our Faith Teaches Us that God’s final revelation IS Jesus Christ “ I am the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:6
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